PHX Reporter

The Grand Canyon University (GCU) track and field team is transitioning from a successful indoor season to the outdoor competition. The men's team recently secured their eighth Western Athletic Conference (WAC) indoor title in nine attempts, while the women's team finished as runners-up last season. Head coach Tom Flood is optimistic about the upcoming outdoor season, where the men's team aims for a fourth consecutive WAC outdoor title.

"We would love to go out with a bang at outdoors," Flood stated. "The goal outdoors always is to win the conference championship, but it is also qualify as many athletes, men and women, as possible to the West Region (top 48) and, from there, still take as many as possible to the NCAA Championships."

Flood's confidence stems from GCU's recent record of sending 17 student-athletes to the NCAA West Region meet over two years. The team's strength lies in hurdles events and decathlon competitions. Key athletes include Cam Wilmington and Daviciea McCartney in hurdles, with Francisco Marques returning from injury.

In sprints, senior Justin Raines will compete at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship next week in Virginia. He will be joined by Miguel Rosario III, Jacob Holguin, and JoJo Harding in relay events.

"Every point is going to matter again," said Flood after GCU narrowly defeated Utah Valley for the indoor title.

Despite losing key throwers Israel Oloyede and Jorden Okyere, assistant coach Jeremy Tuttle anticipates new talent emerging in throwing events. Senior Grant Hagaman's pole vaulting skills are expected to contribute significantly.

On the women's side, Purdue transfer Taliyah Booker stands out in the 400 meters alongside Aaliyah Riford-Delem. Senior Alyssa Blockburger could excel in middle-distance races with freshman Alona Haymore.

Seniors Taryn Burkett and Lucy George won WAC indoor titles and aim for similar success outdoors. The heptathlon event shows promise with Camdyn Breuner and Maliyah Ross leading based on their pentathlon performances.

GCU plans an eight-meet schedule leading up to the WAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 15-17 in Arlington, Texas.

"We're excited that it's in Arlington," Flood said. "The goal is to get them prepared and ready to peak at the conference level or more importantly for some of them two weeks later at the NCAA region meet."